Nissan trying to move in the right direction?

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20016984-48.html

"Nissan aims to slash the weight of redesigned models by 15 percent below comparable 2005 models to cut emissions and meet stricter fuel economy standards. "

Hmmm, take the current 370Z and pull well over 450lbs out of it for 2015?

I'm listening Nissan............

I love the concept. I'm all for lighter cars. Mazda has been focused on low weight for years, and Porsche has always been, and while their cars might be lighter than others, it's nowhere near 15% lighter. Good luck, I say in my sceptic's voice, but any counter to the trend toward increased weight is welcome.

David

450lb is 15% of a 370Z?

When you put it like that, it REALLY puts things into perspective. Cripes... that should be 25%.

Knurled wrote: 450lb is 15% of a 370Z? When you put it like that, it REALLY puts things into perspective. Cripes... that should be 25%.

And apparently the 370Z is lighter than the 350Z. Fatties!

z31maniac wrote: Hmmm, take the current 370Z and pull well over 450lbs out of it for 2015?

But the 370Z wasn't a 2005 model, the 350Z was and the 370Z is already smaller and lighter so it's a step down that path, not a starting point

Adrian_Thompson wrote:

z31maniac wrote: Hmmm, take the current 370Z and pull well over 450lbs out of it for 2015?

But the 370Z wasn't a 2005 model, the 350Z was and the 370Z is already smaller and lighter so it's a step down that path, not a starting point

Ahhh, I see you're one of THOSE types. Geeeez.

The 350Z continued to fatten up it's entire run, over 100lbs if IIRC. So the 370Z still isn't as light as the 2003-2005 base models.

And I bet by 2015 it will be the 380/390/400Z as well, so I guess that will make the comparison moot yet again?

My point was, imagine the current 332hp 370Z checking in at ~2760lbs. To give that number some perspective, it would weigh as much as an 1990 325is, but with twice the power and a much better suspension.

z31maniac wrote:

Adrian_Thompson wrote:

z31maniac wrote: Hmmm, take the current 370Z and pull well over 450lbs out of it for 2015?

But the 370Z wasn't a 2005 model, the 350Z was and the 370Z is already smaller and lighter so it's a step down that path, not a starting point

Ahhh, I see you're one of THOSE types. Geeeez.

Yeah, I'm off to the court house to change my name. First name 'Devils' Surname 'Advocate' :)

Hell yes! Give us lighter cars!

It seems to me that the average midsize sedan has basically gained almost ONE THOUSAND POUNDS since the late 1980's. Amazing!

I read the test of the Mazda2, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Fit that was in a recent issue of another magazine. I'm not entirely sure I believe it, but the Mazda2 weighs nearly 200 lbs LESS than the nearly similar Fiesta. Admittedly, the Fiesta has features that it's "platform mate" doesn't have...at least as standard equipment. But 200 lbs, that's nearly 11% difference. And supposedly, the lighter, less powerful 2 accelerates as fast or FASTER than the Ford.

Really glad to hear them even talking about it!

it had to be done. Cars have been gaining weight over the years (just like people) and now even the car makers are realizing that they are getting obese. Sounds like time for a high (carbon)fibre diet to lose the weight

z31maniac wrote:

Adrian_Thompson wrote:

z31maniac wrote: Hmmm, take the current 370Z and pull well over 450lbs out of it for 2015?

But the 370Z wasn't a 2005 model, the 350Z was and the 370Z is already smaller and lighter so it's a step down that path, not a starting point

Ahhh, I see you're one of THOSE types. Geeeez. The 350Z continued to fatten up it's entire run, over 100lbs if IIRC. So the 370Z still isn't as light as the 2003-2005 base models. And I bet by 2015 it will be the 380/390/400Z as well, so I guess that will make the comparison moot yet again? My point was, imagine the current 332hp 370Z checking in at ~2760lbs. To give that number some perspective, it would weigh as much as an 1990 325is, but with twice the power and a much better suspension.

YES PLEASE!!!

And the 370 isn't really lighter than the 350. The base model 370 was lighter than the loaded model 350 so that wasn't an apples to apples comparison, just Nissan marketing.